Emanuele ErranteThe Evanescence of a Thousand Colors

There is a level of sophistication in Emanuele Errante's work that rewards attentive listeners with optimism. The Italian composer gives us reason to believe — in new music and much more.

Every one of this album's 35 minutes is like a small gem. Errante marries the sensibility of a minimalist with the aptitude of a craftsman, which is to say that the work is understated and at the same time stunningly detailed.

The centrepiece of The Evanescence of a Thousand Colors is a work called "Beauty." It opens with chiming electronics and a lightly picked guitar. About half a minute in, Errante drops a shuddering low-end pulse; it repeats gently, as though off in the distance. One more small, unforgettable element on an album that deserves repeat listens.

From there, we're introduced to U.S. scientist Pratyusha Pilla. An excerpt from her TEDx Talk on racism (alluded to in the album's title) is presented in her own voice: "Beauty is a subjective experience," she says. "It's not restricted to a particular colour or shape. It's rooted in how something makes you feel. The colour of my skin is a part of who I am as much as any other factor. I have grown to not only accept it, but to love it."

Like Errante's approach to composition, that powerful message is delivered simply, without clutter or repetition. This album's lovely combination of classical music instruments, guitar, electronics and field recordings is matched by Stephen Spera's inspired cover design.
(Independent)